Hemangiomas are usually non cancerous, common vascular growths appearing as red or purplish-red skin marks, commonly called "strawberry marks." They result from an over-growth of blood vessels within the skin or internal organs. Most hemangiomas are harmless and fade gradually, although some can have a fast growth rate or become complicated, so professional evaluation is needed.
What Causes Hemangiomas?
The specific cause of hemangiomas is unknown, although they have been found to be related to blood vessel growth in infancy. The majority of hemangiomas are congenital, occurring at birth or shortly following. Hemangiomas are also found in greater numbers among premature babies, females, and those born at low birth weight. In some cases, genetic causes have been suggested, while hemangiomas themselves are not generally inherited.
Although hemangiomas are usually noncancerous, an unpredictable growth can raise concern at times. Some hemangiomas develop quickly within the first months of life, after which they stabilize and inevitably reduce in size. Rarely, they can impact underlying tissue and organs, particularly when they appear near the eyes, trachea, or internal systems.
Common Symptoms of Hemangiomas
Hemangiomas can be found anywhere on the body, although they usually appear in the area of the face, scalp, chest, or back. Most common is one which is bright red in color, and one can see its raised appearance on the surface of the body. When hemangiomas penetrate deeper into the body, they become blue in color and can remain undetectable until they become larger.
Some key signs to watch for include:
- A fast-developing red or purpuric skin lesion
- Inflammation or rigidity in the involved area
- Lesions in areas such as the eyes, mouth, or nasal passages which can affect normal function
- Ulceration, bleeding, or pain in the affected area
Although hemangiomas usually do not hurt and do not cause any medical problem, in some cases, their growth pattern and position can interfere with vision, respiration, or feeding, especially in babies.
Schedule a Consultation with Heights Dermatology in Houston
If you have, or your child has, a hemangioma changing size, appearance, or causing concern, our experienced team at Heights Dermatology can assist. Our board-certified dermatologists in Houston have specialized training in diagnosing and caring for vascular skin conditions.
Heights Dermatology provides specialized diagnosis and treatment for hemangiomas, offering safe and effective options to manage these benign vascular growths. Heights Dermatology also treats related conditions such as pyogenic granuloma, angiokeratomas, and birthmarks
to help improve skin appearance and maintain overall skin health.
Make an appointment today at Heights Dermatology in Houston for professional evaluation.
